Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Century of Grace: For 100 years, the Parkway has watched the river run

At 100 years old, this regal Front Street landmark looks good for her age, but love, care and pride have a lot to do with that.

Opened in 1920, the Parkway was one of first apartment complexes in Harrisburg and considered one of the most elegant. A century later, it remains so popular that residents still wait months for a vacancy.

“The Parkway was built to cater to the clientele in those days who wanted the prestige of a Front Street address without the maintenance of keeping a home,” said David Morrison, executive director of Historic Harrisburg Association. “It combines the graciousness of a private home in an apartment.”

The five-story complex originally was built with 30 units in a charming architectural design that Morrison described as “a blend of Georgian Revival and 20th Century International.”

Originally, all units featured a formal entrance leading into a spacious living room, three bedrooms and bathrooms, maid’s quarters and a formal dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows still offer majestic views of the Susquehanna River.

In the 1980s, the Parkway was renovated inside and out by its then-owners. The building was reconfigured to create a new total of 34 apartments. Only six units retained floor plans as originally constructed, while others were converted into two-bedroom units.

Outside, a row of single-family garages directly behind the complex was eliminated to ease cramped parking accommodations.

“Visitors had to park several blocks away,” Morrison noted.

With this, service parking and a new rear entrance off of Bartine Street were created.

Nonetheless, much of what makes the Parkway unique remains as it was built in 1920, such as claw-foot bathtubs, hardwood oak floors and plaster ceilings, said building manager Larry Bosak. Apartment walls are topped with wooden picture rails to avoid placing nails in the plaster for wall hangings.

Bosak has served as the Parkway’s manager since 1997. His base is a first-floor office within the complex.

“Our maintenance shop is here,” he said. “Most of our stuff is done in-house.”

Bosak is proud of the Parkway’s rich history. He’s quick to point out that the building is on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. A plaque commemorating that honor sits outside the rear of the building.

“It’s great to be a part of history like this,” Bosak said. “It’s a dream come true for me.”

Christina Heintzelman moved into the Parkway 18 months ago. Her adopted home is an upper unit with a direct view facing the river.

“I like the view the best,” she said. “It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s also very affordable here with wonderful maintenance, and I’m surrounded by friends.”

Another plus? Heintzelman lives only 65 steps away from where she works. For the past seven years, she’s worked in the office of the Pennsylvania Council for the Blind, which is located on the Parkway’s ground floor.

The Parkway’s residents are friendly, too, she said. When not in a pandemic, building neighbors get together to grill on summer holidays and celebrate Christmas.

“We have a lot of great tenants,” agreed Bosak, equally proud of his building and its people.

Morrison returned the compliment, emphasizing that Harrisburg’s historic properties are only as good as their owners and landlords.

“It was very well built, well designed, and, importantly, has been well maintained,” he said.

The Parkway is located at 925 and 931 N. Front St., Harrisburg.

 

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